NBA Camp: Day Two, Part A

Evan Daniels

06/17/2011

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- A different set of names stood out on day two. Amile Jefferson is scoring at will. Brandon Ashley had a big day and Mitch McGary made his presence known.

Kevin Ferrell, PG – After a solid first day, Ferrell put together a strong outing during his first session game. The Indiana commit was looking to score and he went for 10 points, all of which came off pull-ups off the dribble except for one finish at the rim. Perhaps his best weapon is his mid-range pull-up and that was on full display on Friday. Ferrell, a quick, but strong lead man, is averaging 9.5 points per game through four games of camp.

Katin Reinhardt, SG – He's known for his ability to shoot, but he's not just a spot up guy. Reinhardt has a nice cross over left to right, handles the ball well and is capable of making plays off the dribble for himself and others. He scored 13 points in the morning session games and was able to work in a pair of mid-range pull-ups. He also showed off his court vision as he whipped a few passes to open teammates.

Rodney Purvis, SG – It didn't take Purvis, a 6-foot-4 scoring guard, to get acclimated with camp. He pumped in 15 points in his first game, scoring a good majority of them at the rim or from mid-range. At this point it's clear that Purvis is one of the better guards in the country and his ability to score in transition and through contact are among his best qualities.

Ronnie Johnson, PG – Matt Painter and company has a good one headed there way in Johnson. The brother of current Purdue player Terone Johnson, scored 10 points in his opening round game. The 6-foot guard showed good speed and was able to get by defenders. Once by the opposition he made the right passes and also showed a runner in the lane. He's solid in all facets of the game.

Ricardo Gathers, PF – His strong, chiseled frame is among his best strengths and Gathers knows exactly how to use it. The LaPlace (La.) Riverside Academy standout was active and aggressive in the post and seems to get to the free thrown line as much as anyone in the 2012 class. The 6-foot-7 power forward has a good set of hands, finishes well inside and doesn't shy away from contact.

Danrad Knowles, PF – A late addition to camp, Knowles has more than fit in with the best players in the country. The 6-foot-9, 190-pound forward ran the floor looking to score, knocked down jump shots and showed good touch around the basket. Chicken, as he's known to most, needs to add some weight and get stronger, but he's showing confidence and getting better at just the right time. He's averaging 11 points per game and ranks among the top 10 scorers at camp.

Amile Jefferson, PF – Through four camp games, Jefferson leads the deal in scoring and has two of the top five highest point totals in camp. A wiry 6-foot-8 power forward, Jefferson is a skilled face up guy that knows how to score both inside and out. He has great touch around the basket and has developed a consistent mid-range jump shot. Jefferson has been one of the more consistent scorers at camp and he's doing it in a variety of ways.

T.J. Warren, SF – In the morning session Warren didn't get a ton of touches, but when he did he was efficient and effective with what he wanted to do. And anytime Warren has the rock it's clear that his intentions are to score. The 6-foot-7 wing is one of the best at putting up points in the 2012 class and he scored in this one off baseline drives, three-pointers and mid-range finishes. He scored 10 in his third game of camp and followed it up with a 20-point outing.

Tony Parker, C – For a bit in the first quarter it looked like Parker was going to continue his low post dominance at camp against the top post prospect in the nation – Andre Drummond. But after scoring three times, including a pair of jumpers, he woke the 6-foot-11 giant and the two finished with a nice battle. Parker's play at camp has been inspiring because he's being aggressive and showing an array of post moves.

Andre Drummond, C – After scoring just six points in two games on day one, Parker awoke the giant. Drummond went for 16 points in his morning session game and scored them off a pair of half hooks, buckets in the open court and off put backs. Drummond is always capable of doing serious damage in the paint, but he's not always consistent with his effort. Friday morning after the first quarter he came ready to play and it was fun to watch.

Kris Dunn, PG – Matched up with Marcus Paige, Dunn got into his body and bothered him on the defensive end with his long arms and physicality. His defense led to an immediate turnover and assist. Dunn was especially effective in the night session using screens, finding teammates and working in floaters or finishes at the rim.

Brandon Ashley, PF – He's always been a heck of a prospect, but Ashley, a 6-foot-9, 215-pound forward is starting to put it together. During the night session he was aggressive on both ends of the floor. He pushed rebounds up the floor, contested shots and worked in scoring moves on the block. Ashley, a five-star prospect, is primed for a big summer. He finished with 23 points in the nightcap and is among the top 10 in scoring.

Jerome Hairston, PG/SG – After a big opening game, Hairston has had quite a bit of buzz surrounding him at camp. Hairston certainly has some talent. His court vision is impressive and when he's able to beat the first man in his way he can pass it out or score it. One issue is Hairston is often times careless with the ball and can get out of control. With all that said, he's a talent and will certainly be one high majors evaluate throughout July.

Mitch McGary, C – Recently McGary made a major move in the Scout.com's rankings and he's proven he deserved every bit of that move up to No. 15. The 6-foot-9, 255-pound big man originally from Indiana did it all for his camp team on Friday. He scored through contact, attacked the basket and even worked in mid-range pull-ups. McGary played with some serious emotion and was a major reason his squad was winning up until the last few possessions. The stats say he only finished with eight points, but his game was much louder than that.

Nate Britt, PG – It has been fun to take in the improvements Britt has made over the course of the last year. He's much more confident shooting jump shots and that showed when he buried four or five jumpers in a morning game. Whether it's off the dribble or catch, Britt was consistent and sure of his shot. Gradually he's making strides and just may be the best point guard in the 2013 recruiting class. He dropped 30 points in this final game and is 3rd in scoring at the camp.

Brandon Ashley said he doesn't have a "real list." He did mentioned that the entire PAC-10, as well as Kansas, Texas, Kentucky, Georgia Tech and Wake Forest were involved with his recruitment.

Katin Reinhardt, who recently parted ways with USC, said Arizona, Baylor, North Carolina State, Syracuse and Florida were in the mix for his services.

Wake Forest commit Codi Miller-McIntyre didn't have a strong first half during the morning session, but he did knock down a pair of jumpers in the second half. He's averaging 13.3 points through four games.

Xavier Johnson made himself available around the rim. He had a pair of strong left hand finishes at the rim. He's a terrific athlete that moves well and when he's active in the paint he's the most effective.

Omar Calhoun is one of the better scorers in the 2012 recruiting class. He knows how to use angles and finds ways to get to the basket. He didn't look for jumpers in the night session, but he attacked the rim when given the opportunity.

One of the nation's top low post scorers – Robert Carter – was at it again on Friday. From hooks to strong finishes, Carter can do it and he's a load to try and contain on the block.

Although I wasn't taking in the game on court 1, it was tough not to notice Braxton Ogbueze race up and down the floor and by defenders. The kid can make plays and is making a strong case to retain his spot as the No. 1 lead guard.